Where Are The Watchmen (Part 4)

“Therefore, son of man, say to your people, ‘If someone who is righteous disobeys, that person’s former righteousness will count for nothing. And if some who is wicked repents, that person’s former wickedness will not bring condemnation. The righteous person who sins will not be allowed to live even though they were formerly righteous.’ If I tell a righteous person that they will surely live, but then they trust in their righteousness and do evil, none of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered; they will die for the evil they have done. And if I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ but they then turn away from their sin and do is just and right–if they give back what they took in pledge for a loan, return what they have stolen, follow the decrees that give life, and do no evil–that person will surely live; they will not die. None of the sins that person has committed will be remembered against them. They have done what is just and right; they will surely live. Ezekiel 33:12-16 NIV

It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not keep it.

The sinner has a better chance of making it to heaven once they repent–turning completely away from their sin and turning to God than the self-righteous who claimed to know God and yet will not live according to God’s ways–loving all!

What we see in Washington with the religious-right GOP (including trump is neither a Christian or Republican)–are those who proclaim to know God, yet do not know how to live Godly lives.

We know from God’s Word that He hates liars and lies.

We know from God’s Word that when the righteous turn to evil, they have lost their claim to heaven.

We know from God’s Word that He came down to earth in the likeness of sinful flesh to take sin upon Himself so we might be saved.

We know from God’s Word that it is better for us if we never claim to know God than to claim to know Him and then reject His ways.

This is what happens when we study God’s Word: we know! Only those who never study, never understand, can refute the truth of God’s Word and humiliate themselves in front of others. 

My take from the above-mentioned passage of scripture is that Pence is leading the pack (Sessions, Gorsuch, Ryan, McConnell, et al) of those who claim to be righteous, but are trusting in their own righteousness and rejecting God’s Word–to love. If they were truly righteous, they would defend the rights of the poor and the needy, embrace all human life and encourage love for one another. This is not what they do. They make distinctions as to who they’ll care about and who they’ll reject. They choose corporations and generous donors over the needs of Everyday Americans.

At the moment, they (GOP) are rejecting: any and all persons who do not look like them, worship like them or live like them. Though they claim to be “pro-life” they are actually, pro-fetus because they care less about the life after it appears and we know this by all the legislation they promote that denies access to healthcare for the poor, education for the poor, and opportunity to gain wealth since they want to hoard all the wealth for themselves.

The GOP want to defund Planned Parenthood, an organization that serves the poor and women. They claim their stance against abortion is why, but if they impede women from having access to birth control and other services that helps to keep living (cancer screening, etc.), they prove they are misogynistic and nowhere in the Bible are we told to mistreat women.

So, in Christ Jesus (those believing and living according to His Word) you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:26-29 NIV (parenthetical is mine).

We know that many of the “religious-right” confuse Old Testament historical knowledge with “contemporary application,” but that’s because they do not understand what their relationship with Christ should produce.  Yes, we can look back at what God said through the prophets and apply what much is said to us in the 21st Century. That is for our understanding, not our doing. God used the prophets to speak to the people “before” He appeared in the earth. It is because of His appearance in the earth and His return to heaven, leaving behind His Spirit–that we can “all” have access to Him, directly.

Okay, I know some will be offended by what I’ve already said, but I will not retract any of it. People are offended by truth especially when truth reveals their hypocrisy. I will speak His truth no matter how many are offended for people have neither heaven or hell for me–only God does. I’m not sacrificing my mansion to appease people. And those who do–turn from righteousness to wickedness and evil–have a place reserved for them, too– in the lake of fire.

We should carefully consider who we put into positions of authority and power and know by their love for others whether or not they belong to Christ. If they have no love for others, they cannot rightfully claim a relationship with Christ. Pause and meditate on that and willingly receive truth about the nation’s leaders in Washington. Time to make a change.

Nevertheless

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3 NIV

There is so much that can be said by way of a commentary to this passage of scripture, but I suggest that anyone reading this and others–let it marinate–steep–settle–into your spirit and then hear what God has to say.

I do not have a problem saying the same thing over and over and over again and will most likely do so until I hear church leaders repent from their lying ways.

When people lie–they are the enemies of god and Paul gives us a perfect picture of what they do–their god is their greed–in money and power; their minds are set on earthly things like–a Supreme Court Justice who will do their bidding.

How do we know the enemies of God? They do not live according to God’s Word. They do not make considerations for the poor and the needy–the vulnerable who either have no voice or do not know how to articulate their needs. In political arenas–they cut funding to assist the poor, making excuses to enrich the wealthy at the expense of all others. They lie against those who think differently than they do and they encourage those who follow them to promote the lies.

God has a response for them and they will know it sooner than later for when all is said and done; God still has the last Word and He will pronounce it publicly for all the world to see.

I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ nor am I ashamed to speak on behalf of those who may not have the same venue or platform that I do. And I will speak out–often and loudly. I will also encourage any who love The Lord as I do--to live according to His Word, and not the dictates and false propaganda perpetuated by the pseudo-christians who have not the love of God dwelling within.

I have no fear of losing my mansion in heaven because I know I am doing as I am directed to do by my Heavenly Father and others—I will not hear, for they have not heaven or hell for me.

As long as there are lies spread abroad by those professing to be Christians, yet are not living the life (and we can see by what they do), I will speak out against all church leaders who mislead God’s people. And if I have to call them out by name–I will not hesitate to do so since their actions are public knowledge and I have nothing to lose, yet everything to gain by making people aware of who they are. Some are televangelists–many of who I have stopped paying attention; some are traveling evangelists–whose words don’t line up with God’s Word nor do their actions; some are bloggers and authors–who consistently publish their nonsense on the Internet.  Oh yes, I know who they are and anyone with a discerning spirit also knows who they are. Those in the pulpits in various churches who lie to their congregants–will have to deal with God since I won’t visit them to verify or confirm what they say.  They know who they are.

And if anyone–I do mean anyone–thinks God cares about our political views that don’t align with His Word–they are seriously deluded for Christ did not die for Republicans or Democrats. He died so that anyone–and He meant that–anyone who chose to believe would be saved  (John 3:16) and there was no other criteria established by Him; but man has perverted God’s Word to promote their own agenda as they are prone to do.

Nevertheless, I say once more that we all will stand before God on that great day and give an account what we have done in the earth–did we promote Jesus or political ideology that did not demonstrate God’s love for all?

Who Will Enter?

LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the LORD; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15 NIV

I am so thankful that God loves me–loves us all–for He did not come down to save just me, but all who would accept the gift of salvation through His shed blood.

There’s a song that many churches–especially in the Black Community –sing, “Down through the years, God’s been good to me,” and when I look back over my life, I can sing that song with reverence because He has been so good to me. Not that I’ve been perfect–there are no perfect people–but because I recognize Him for who He is and I try to live according to His Word.

In order for anyone to live according to God’s Word, they must first know it. When we get into The Word–we learn how God wants us to live–and if we’re honest with ourselves–we see The Word as a mirror–reflecting back to us who we are and where we fall short. Even when we fall short–His mercy and grace–sustain us–renewing our determination to get living right for Him. It is because of His mercy and grace–that we can know without doubting, whether we will enter into His presence at the end of our journey on this side of Heaven.

When David wrote the few verses above, He understood–not because he had read a bible as we know it, but because of the teachings from a child–by his family about God’s goodness and what He had always done for the Children of Israel. David was not a perfect man, but he was a man after God’s own heart in that he recognized when he was wrong and repented, seeking God’s forgiveness.

If a person never recognizes when they are wrong and won’t do anything to correct the wrong, they will never enter into God’s presence.

When John–the Baptizer–was on his journey throughout the region, “crying in the wilderness” as we’re told, “Repent, Repent, for the kingdom of the Lord is at hand.” He was the precursor for Jesus–warning people that they must admit being or doing wrong and setting things right. Though John was beheaded for telling the truth–he knew where he would spend eternity.

Do we know? Can we know? I know there’s a mansion in heaven with my name on the door plate and I have determined that nothing and on one is going to impede my arrival–I will enter my promise–as Jesus told it.  “For in my Father’s House are many mansions.”

Now think about this: we who are laborers for The Lord–the little people–the caring people, the benevolent people, the people who given generously to those in need, the people who give of their time and talents to fight injustice and to defend the rights of the poor and needy, we have a right to enter in and know with assurance we have a place for all eternity as a reward for the sacrifices we’ve made to help others out of obedience to God.

Then there are those who have done nothing for anyone, but expect everyone else to do for them. They are self-centered, thin-skinned and think the world revolves around them. They are quick to criticize others, but get angry when others criticize them. In their minds, they are the only ones who are right and everyone else is wrong. And that’s a description of the Tweeter-in-chief who feels like it is “his right” to be president, when all the evidence surfacing reveals he got to that point–by corruption and deception.

He believes he is above the law and in fact thinks laws were not meant for him and unfortunately, the so-called religious, family values group of lawmakers are doing nothing–at this moment–to correct his thinking. What they are doing is allowing him to think, he can change our democracy into a dictatorship ruled by Putin with him as his puppet.

Will they enter into God’s presence at the end of life’s journey? Not according to His Word. I don’t know where they will spend eternity but I do know that liars will be thrown into the lake of fire for eternity.

Where will you spend eternity? I’d love for all I know to spend eternity with me in heaven, but that is not my choice; it is every individual’s choice and all I can do–is to make sure all I know–have been made aware of their options. Jesus is Lord and He loved us–each and everyone–enough to die for us and I am determined to love Him enough to live for Him. Will you join me?

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for loving us enough to come down from heaven, living in the likeness of man, experiencing all that we would experience in life, and yet willing–with all the flaws you saw in us–looking ahead through the years–and yet still decided to hang a cross for our sins. Forgive us for not understanding how much You love and teach us daily how we’re to live and treat others. Encourage and embolden us to always speak truth as You give it to us, no matter what others may think. And for any who have not already accepted You as their personal Savior, move upon their hearts to receive You, now. In Jesus’ name we pray and thank You, Amen!

God Uses Those Who Are Willing!

Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein. Hosea 14:9 KJV

Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. 2 Corinthians 8:11,12 NIV

POLITICS ALERT!

Ron Kenoly wrote a song and I danced to it, “If You Can Use Anything, You Can Use Me” was a line in the lyrics. Every time I heard that song, and danced to it, I was moved to want to do more for God. There is yet a willingness in my heart to be used by God and I will.

I read a comment this morning about “God can use anyone” (in reference in Trump) ignited by a CNN commentator and there were many comments refuting this claim and supporting it. God can and will use anyone who is willing to be used. He always has and He always will, but the person has to be “willing” to be used by God.

If a person has not demonstrated any knowledge of God–especially in this election cycle–there is little chance that they have offered themselves, “willingly” to be used by God. And I know there are scores of people ready to defend Trump’s race to the White House, but I have to ask again–“How do they justify support of a man who obviously does not know God?”

I know God used harlots in the old testament to save the spies–they were willing to be used and understood The God these men served. Trump–has pretended a conversion, but there is no external evidence of a conversion of his heart and nothing anyone says–no matter what their position in a church or anything else —will ever convince me that God is using Trump against his will. I know how God operates and He does not make anyone do anything against their will. I believe that those evangelical organizations who are promoting this lie do so at their own peril and I will not support it or be a part of it.

For those who think I can be intimidated–guess again. The Lord is the only one who guides what I do and nothing you think or do will deter me from doing what God has put on my heart to do. Support of Donald Trump means support of hatemongering, fearmongering, bigotry, misogyny. And for those who think supporting a pro-choice stance is a problem with God–you don’t know God since He gives us choice and we have to deal with the consequences of our choices.

The argument about who Supreme Court Justices “might be” is a smokescreen to support discrimination against those who have been discriminated against for centuries and a fearmongering tactic.

And since I believe God uses anyone willing to be used, I’m going to trust God to speak to the heart of Hillary Clinton and guide her in all she has to do.

Calling Hillary a liar and attempting to convict her of things already litigated is a sign of complete blindness and refutation of the justice system. If people cannot see the lies that Trump tells–consistently, on a daily basis, about anything and everything (proven to be lies by videos)–it is because they choose to be blind.

I am neither blind or foolish and as long as I have breath in my body and can hear Holy Spirit when He speaks, I will not concede to the dictates of foolishness and ungodliness in supporting someone who acts in total opposition to God’s Word.

For anyone reading this who disagrees with what I’ve written, it is your choice and I respect your choice, but I will not allow your choices to deter or influence me. I have to stand before God and give an account for myself, not others and that I will do with a confident heart in hearing, “Well done, daughter” since that is truly all I want to hear from God.

Here’s what some Believing Women are thinking and doing–

Powerful Evangelical Women Split From Male Church Leaders to Slam Trump

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/10/10/beth-moore-the-christian-women-speaking-out-about-trump-s-bad-news.html

I wonder how long it will take for Believing Men to figure it out.

 

Recognizing The Foolish!

The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips. The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception. Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright. The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure. A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated. Proverbs 14:6-9, 16, 17 NIV

What is a mocker? A person who makes fun of others–appearances, values, and beliefs. They attempt to humiliate at every turn, thinking themselves to be superior to others.

One example of a mocker is the atheist who makes fun of other Believers. They say things like: our praying to an invisible God may as well as be praying to a spaghetti monster. Another example of a mocker is someone who makes fun of another person’s disabilities by exaggerating facial expressions, voice tones, or movements. And then these mockers think–they are wise in their own sight.

The “wise in their own sight” are often looked upon as being foolish because they never listen to others when people attempt to admonish them because of their attitudes or behavior. We see this every day–those who think they know something when they don’t.

I  (and many others) am extremely offended by the latest attempts of Donald Trump to “reach out to African Americans” on a number of levels. First of all, he’s not reaching out to a group of people when none of them are in his immediate presence. Secondly, if he wants to “reach” people, he might want to start off with more factual information about who they are rather than statistics that are easily debunked. Using a broad stroke of overgeneralization to describe any group of people is insensitive and negates the accomplishments or achievements of others within that group. What he said was racist and derogatory. Not all Black Americans are living in poverty; not all Black Americas are ignorant or stupid (the underlying meaning of his saying, “your schools are no good”), and most of the young people–the teens (his 58%) are high school students who are concentrating on avenues that will earn them scholarships for college.

His entire speech about reaching out to African Americans was mocking.  “What do you have to lose taking a chance on Trump?” Considering the ethnic persuasion of the audience he was addressing at his rally, he wasn’t talking to Black Americans. His campaign manager, Kellyann states, “all his rallies are open to the public and African Americans can attend.” This is particularly interesting when a man–with brown skin–of Native American heritage was removed from one of his rallies.

Reiterating his approach, “What the hell do you have to lose?” We lose the hell altogether that a Trump presidency represents and keep reaching for heaven–knowing there are no racists there. In recent news–a white man–claiming to belong to racist group–admitted to stabbing a black man when saw the man kissing a white woman. Not that their relationship was any of his business, but he took upon himself to try to kill a man simply because of his skin color. That’s what the foolish evoke in others–that’s what Trump ideology is creating in a society in which many of us had hoped was behind us. So, no–we don’t want Trump’s brand of anything and that will ring loud and clear on November 8th.

And this is how we recognize the foolish–when they do really stupid things–in a public forum and think they are believable. Love trumps hate and mockery!

Soon And Very Soon!

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:3-8 KJV

When we understand the vision John had and know deep within our hearts that God always has our best interests at heart–we can find comfort in His Word, not fear.

We can be comforted in knowing that no matter how foolish men and women act life, there will come a time when all will stand before God and give an account of what we’ve done.

We can know–with assurance–that it won’t be long now–not based on our calendar days, but in God’s timing–before we begin our second life–living with Him for all eternity.

Looking at all the turmoil and violence in the world–with all the confusion about “everything” I can only cry unto the Lord, “Come quickly!”

We know that God is not the author of confusion and since He is not–Satan is.

We know that God does not promote hatred and fear and since He does not–Satan does.

More importantly, we know that when people ignore God or refuse to obey Him, He allows the enemy to wreck havoc in our lives–until we reach the place where we understand, we can do nothing without Him.

We are our own worst enemy when we refuse to obey Him in all things.

All of the foolishness over which people get angry and rebellious will soon pass away.

There is no politics in Heaven for the King of Kings is sovereign. There are no religious banners denoting which denoting different denominations hanging in Heaven for there is but One Lord!

There is no sickness and disease in Heaven and no reason for there to be pain.

There is no difference of opinion in Heaven for only the like-minded in Christ shall reside there.

There is no black or white or red or brown or any other barrier in Heaven that will separate humanity (in its glorified body) from enjoying The Lord!

Hallelujah! Soon and very soon!

Weeping For The Lost!

Jesus wept. John 11:35

Why did He weep? In the scriptural record, He wept because of the death of a friend–Lazarus–at least that’s what we see on the surface.

If we delve a little deeper, we understand that He was not weeping because Lazarus was dead–He knew He would rise again–He wept because He loves us and knew that even though He was willing to give His life for us–some of us would be remain lost due to our refusal to accept Him and all He has done for us.

When Lazarus died–it was part of the plan to reveal who Jesus really is–and the power He holds over life and death. The religious leaders got it and feared Him. Though they claimed to serve God, they did not know Him and were simply going through religious traditions in order to make themselves feel superior.

Amazing how some of us still have a need to feel superior to others. We are not! We all live and breathe the same way (unless we’re using artificial assistance) and our blood runs red–no matter what color our skin, no matter what our beliefs are–no matter what our gender is (male or female) and He loves us all! It is because of love that He wept then and is still weeping–because so many are lost and will never enter into heaven.

While journeying on earth, He told us, “No man (or woman) comes to the Father (who is in Heaven), except through Him.” John 14:6 (explained) Until we accept Jesus as Lord of our lives and our personal Savior, we will never see The Father in Heaven.

And for that–He is still weeping–for all who are lost–in this world and in the world to come.

For those of us who are filled with the compassion of Christ, we also weep for the lost–both naturally and spiritually–knowing that those who died without having received His love will not get a second chance. We may weep in mourning for those who have died, but we can rejoice in the knowledge that if they had accepted Christ as their personal Savior, they will rise again to live with Jesus forever.

So, while we yet have a chance to turn to The Lord–repenting from sin and choosing to live according to His Word–let’s do it and encourage others to live for Him so He won’t have to continue weeping for them.

 

Where Are They?

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first .After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. I Thessalonians 4:13-18 NIV

If we truly want to comfort others when they lose a loved one–we should use God’s Word–instead of our traditional responses that are not based upon truth.

Yesterday, someone told me (in a response to something I said about my deceased mother) our moms are watching over us. Now, I know this is a common response used by people to comfort others or themselves and if I did not know The Word, I’d buy into it. However, since I do know The Word and I know that, “the dead know nothing” I cannot promote an untruth, based upon God’s Word–not my opinion.

When I reminded the person about God’s Word, I was told, “everyone has their own opinion and her mom was watching over her.”

Here’s the thing–everyone does have an opinion about so many things, but when it comes to the things of God–shouldn’t we say what God says and not espouse our opinions? I am, and will, to the best of my ability always say what God says, even when it seems that I’m aloof or a bit cold. I am neither. I’m simply trying to do what I’m told–by God in His Word–and I’m breaking the chains of tradition wherever I find them. If people want to be misled and shackled to traditions–that’s their option. I choose not to do so.

So, while I cannot put anyone in heaven who has gone before me–I cannot say with certainty where anyone is. I know–because of The Word–that when we die, our spirits go back to God who gave them, our bodies return to the dust from which it came and our soul awaits judgment (Ecclesiastes 12)–when Christ returns. I don’t know when we’ll rise after He returns or when we’ll be judged, but I do know–when He returns–those who died in Christ–knowing Him–will rise first and we’ll be taken up with them. Whether I’m alive here or not when Christ returns remains to be seen. I am assured of this one thing and so can others be–my mansion in heaven is reserved and one day–I shall inhabit it as promised in The Word.

I’m praying that soon we’ll be able to tell people the truth and stop lying to them when a loved one dies. We cannot put them in heaven or hell–that’s a judgment call that we cannot make for them–only God can–based upon their relationship (or none) with Him. As much as I’d like to believe my mother is watching over us–I know she’s not and I’m okay with that. I hold her memories in my heart and soon in what I write. Whether I’ll know her or not when we all get to heaven is not as important as knowing we’ll be there–at the same time.

Instead of lying to people (and telling them someone has gone on to glory is a lie), let’s comfort and encourage people with God’s Word. “Though they sleep in death right now, when Christ returns, they shall rise first and we who are yet live shall join them.”And while we wait for that glorious day, let’s keep their memories alive in our hearts to enjoy them any time we want.

 

 

The Day Is Almost Here!

Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Romans 13:10-12 NIV

Where there is love, there is light

For all to see, unencumbered by darkest night,

Living according to God’s Word,

No fear of the masses, not ashamed to be heard,

Every Believer–Loving as God Loves–all–unconditionally!

In the light of day–where there are no clouds and the sun is shining bright–we can see all things clearly and from a distance. Not only can we see, but all around us can see us and what we see. What are they seeing?

There was a time when many of us walked in darkness even during the day, having no knowledge or understanding of who Jesus is or what He’s done for us. Hopefully, that time has passed and we are walking in the light of wisdom and His love, preparing for that day when He’ll receive us unto Himself.

However, there are still many who have not yet understood–that all of their deeds committed in the dark will come into the light–and they will be exposed for all the world to see, while the devil laughs at their calamity. That does not have to be so.

Every Believer who knows Truth and is not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus should loudly proclaim God’s love for all, His mercy and grace that yet abounds for those of us on this side of heaven, for surely once that day arrives when we are translated from here to there, there will be no need any longer for mercy and grace while we sit at His feet.

That day–the day many have waited for–will soon be here; not soon as we calculate time, but soon as God determines. Will we be ready to stand before Him and give an account of all we have done in the earth and not be ashamed? Will our testimony before Him be marred by acts of darkness that we refused to give up? Or shall the angels rejoice over all we have done to bring others into the marvelous light of love?

Every day brings us closer to that day–and for those who are yet asleep–they shall be awakened by the sound of the trumpet heralding His arrival. Every day–while we yet have opportunity to do so, we should put on the armor of light and love so others will see Him in all of His glory and willingly embrace Truth as God as reveals it through us.

That day is almost here–what are you doing to prepare others for it? Will your life be a living testimony of God’s goodness and the light of His glory shines all around you or will the light be dimmed by hatred, bigotry, and wilful disobedience to God’s Word? We have choices to make and we must make them now for that day–is almost here.

 

In Heaven Now or Later?

Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Hebrews 11:36-40 NIV

Most Believers know that Hebrews 11 defines what faith is, and records those who were faithful unto death, but how many of us have read beyond “the faith” of others to see where they are and where others may be?

Many preachers, pastors, families of the deceased comfort themselves with thinking that when people die, they immediately go to heaven or the other place. According to this passage of scripture and in other passages, we see that none are in place yet! When we die, according to God’s Word spoken to Solomon–our spirits go back to God, our bodies return to the dust and souls await judgment. However, judgment won’t occur until Jesus has returned and we are standing before The Throne to hear our fate, together with all who have gone ahead of us.

Now as harsh as that may sound–especially for those who want to believe their loved ones are already in heaven–we must all teach truth and accept truth. None of our loved ones are in heaven, yet! Telling people that loved ones have gone on to heaven is about as foolish as people going to a cemetery talking to the dead. “The dead know nothing” so they cannot hear or feel anything.

I do understand that people are ritualistic by nature and feel they must do something, but to what end? The greatest use of our time–whatever time we have left would be better used in promoting the Gospel to those who are yet breathing, for once we stop breathing, there’s no time left.

I have also come to conclusion that funerals are a waste of time as well. Now, I know there are those who believe this is a final opportunity to tell someone good-bye, but those who are dead won’t know who’s there and if we really want to be a comfort to the remaining family, we should be available to them when they need someone to listen to them or just to encourage them to keep living for The Lord.

There is an industry out there that capitalizes on grief and we spend millions of dollars a year holding onto traditions that most can’t afford. What better use could we find for that money? Have a memorial service and give the money to charities who are trying to help people live or to those who are sincerely spreading the Gospel to a dying world.

It’s time–no way past time for many of us to learn to say good-bye to people while they can hear us and to show them how much we love them, while they are alive and can enjoy our sentiments. When they’re dead–it’s too late–and we need to learn how to let it go–for we can do absolutely nothing to bring them back and all we end up doing is making ourselves feel worse.